Originally published 3 November 2003

Following a £3 million refurbishment and extension, the new Sports Centre was officially opened last Friday by Coventry-born world-class athlete and Godiva Harriers star, Marlon Devonish.

Marlon Devonish, a national sprinting champion, is the 200m man of the moment after winning gold in Birmingham at the 2003 World Indoor Athletics Championships. He also recently help win a silver medal as member of the UK relay team by running the 3rd leg in the 400m relay at the World Athletics Championships in Paris this year.

The star praised the sports complex saying, “The new facilities benefit both the University and the community. Warwick now has international-standard sports facilities that rival any UK university, and are an asset to both athletics and Coventry…”

The new facilities, complemented by a new Health and Fitness Suite, boast a sports hall with Desso sprung linoleum flooring, studio, reception, changing rooms, upgraded weight training equipment and a floodlit artificial turf pitch.

The event also saw the unveiling of new paintings by local contemporary artist Lesley Daniels depicting diverse aspects of sport and athletics, which are to be added to the existing collection.

Among those who attended the event were Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Vandelinde and Terry Monnington, Director of Physical Education and Sport.